WHITE MAN’S LAPSE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1933, Page 5

WHITE MAN’S LAPSE

BECHUANALAND FLOGGING CASE THE FULL REPORT RECEIVED. (Per British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Sep. 15. The full report of the Becliuanaland flogging case has been received at the Dominions Office. I Important p- ints of constitutional authority are involved, and the report makes it dear that Tshekedi, • the chief of the Bawangivato tribe, exceeded his powers in flogging Macintosh, and that ill claiming the right to do so he attempted to put>himself above the law. The report states that the chief admitted trying the case and giving sentence. His defence was, first, that

Macintosh was a bad character and his action was justified, .< and, . secondly, that he was immune from the section of the proclamation of 1891, which forbids a native court to deal with Europeans

The report adds that the chief’s attitude, as disclosed by the inquiry, made it impossible to deal" with him by * fine and rebuke. In official London circles the view

is expressed that whatever Macintosh’s offence may have been, Tshekedi’s claims could hot be allowed, and the danger of usurptioit of the power of administration had to be averted. Otherwise the existing 'difficulties [of administering the country would have been greatly incerased.